
Are you from a low or middle-income Commonwealth country and aspiring to pursue a UK postgraduate degree without relocating? The University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025 offers a fully funded opportunity for eligible candidates to undertake part-time, distance learning master’s programs from a world-renowned university completely online.
This prestigious scholarship is funded by the UK’s Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and is aimed at empowering talented individuals who would otherwise not be able to afford postgraduate study.
About the Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship program supports candidates from eligible developing countries to study in the UK through distance learning. It is part of the UK's commitment to the Commonwealth’s goals for sustainable development and aims to foster global collaboration, academic excellence, and leadership.
Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
Funded by: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, UK
Mode of Study: Part-time, distance learning (online)
Level: Postgraduate (Master’s)
Duration: Up to 5 years
Scholarship Coverage: Full tuition fees
IELTS Requirement: Not required
Application Deadline: May 20, 2025
Eligible Countries: Low and middle-income Commonwealth nations
Key Benefits of the Scholarship
Applicants selected for the University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship will receive:
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Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire duration of the program (up to five years)
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The flexibility to study part-time from their home country
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Access to world-class academic resources and teaching from the University of Edinburgh
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No relocation or IELTS test requirement
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country, or hold refugee status in such a country
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Be permanently resident in a Commonwealth country
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Hold a first degree equivalent to at least an upper second-class honors (2:1). Applicants with lower qualifications but substantial professional experience may also be considered
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Demonstrate inability to afford postgraduate study without the scholarship
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Provide at least one academic or professional reference
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Be applying to an eligible postgraduate program at the University of Edinburgh
Eligible Programmes at the University of Edinburgh
The following postgraduate master's programmes are eligible for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship:
Health and Clinical Sciences
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MSc Clinical Management of Pain
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MSc Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
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MSc Critical Care
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MSc Internal Medicine
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MSc Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Public Health and Data Science
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MSc Data Science for Health and Social Care
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MSc Epidemiology
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Master of Public Health (MPH)
Education
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MSc Digital Education
Surgical Sciences
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MSc Surgical Sciences
These programs are delivered entirely online and are structured to suit working professionals and students residing in their home countries.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025
Follow these two essential steps to complete your application:
Step 1: Apply to the University of Edinburgh
Choose your desired eligible postgraduate program and submit your application to the University of Edinburgh for admission.
Step 2: Apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
Submit a separate application to the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships portal, including all required documentation and references. You must select the University of Edinburgh and your chosen program from the dropdown during the application process.
Important: Applications that do not include both the university admission and the CSC scholarship application will not be considered.
Deadline for Application
All applications must be submitted by May 20, 2025. Early submission is strongly recommended to ensure that all references and supporting documents are uploaded before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The University of Edinburgh Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship 2025 offers a life-changing opportunity for students from developing Commonwealth countries to gain a world-class education from a prestigious UK university without leaving their home country. With full tuition coverage and flexible online study options, this scholarship helps students unlock their potential and contribute to sustainable development in their regions.
Take the next step toward your academic goals today.